Below are some things you may like to know about visiting Nepal. The Lonely Planet guide is a great start, but these are the things that will help make your experience even better.
- When flying in Kathmandu airport: if you are not a Nepali and don’t have a visa, have USD and two photos ready once you get off the plane. A single-entry visa valid for 15, 30 or 90 days costs US$25, $40 or $100. Fairly new electronic registration machines are used (introduced in 2016) which you enter your details and get a ticket, then you need to line up and be processed after that – pay money and get passport stamped. The visa process can take anywhere up to 1 hour from getting off the plane to leaving the airport. A brisk walk weaving through the crowd to be first in line is advisable.
- Taxis: they are a great way to get around Kathmandu. Before you get in, tell the driver where you want to go and confirm the price. Example fares are NPR700 from the airport to Thamel. Local fares should be around NPR300-400. By the way, the taxis are small but can get through many small streets and lanes.
- Exchanging money: the local currency is Nepalese Rupee which is linked to the United States dollar (US$). In the main tourist areas, eg Thamel and Dubar Square, there are many small exchange booths with rate boards out the front. The easiest way is to arrive with some small US$ notes and change them shortly after you arrive. The commission charge is usually very small.
- ATMs: if you need money, there are a few bank automatic teller machines (ATMs) usually located near hotels or restaurants. You should notify your local bank that you will be travelling so they don’t block any ATM transactions. My favourite ATM is the Standard Chartered Bank ATM located inside the gate at Kathmandu Guest House in (nearby the main supermarket). The bank charge is the smallest of most ATMs.
- What to wear: as a country with the majority being either Bhuddist or Hindu, wearing respectful clothing is important. Shorts are OK when trekking but every other time, you should wear dark pants or a skirt/dress to cover past your knees and a t-shirt/shirt that covers your shoulders. In Kathmandu the clothing ‘rules’ have been relaxed but around temples and other religious sites, you must cover up.
- Drinking water and eating local food: the tap water in Kathmandu and other areas is ground water and is not safe to drink. Hotels will usually provide water or you will be need to buy it. When trekking, you can pay to fill your water bottles with boiled water or distilled mineral water bottles. You can also use water purification tablets if preferred. When eating, make sure your food is well cooked. Avoid salads which may have been cleaned with local water – remember it is a land locked country far away from the ocean!
- Sightseeing guides: it is possible to visit many of the sites around Kathmandu by yourself, but you will learn much more if you ask and pay for a guide. A guide can be organised before you arrive in the country or while you are there (we can help there.) Unlike major cities, a guide is not expensive and they can help you uncover many hidden gems other tourists will never see.
- Trekking guides/porters: Outside of the Kathmandu valley, you would be crazy not to have a guide and a porter (or yak) to help carry your bags. For a group trek, for as little as US$30 per day you can have a personal qualified trekking guide (with government license) and US$20 per day for a porter (starting prices). You should also allow to pay a tip for each person (guide, porter etc) paid on the night before or last day of the trek.
For any treks or tours in Nepal, we can provide a break-down of costs including permits, transport ticketing (flights, bus, 4WD or car), travel arrangements, food/drinks, guide/porter (or yak) and any other expenses. There are also different options for accommodation which we can help with.
Buda Budi Treks 